A mammogram is a medical technique to get an x-ray of the breasts. It allows the doctors to assess and look for the early signs of breast cancer. The examination process is beneficial in detecting and diagnosing breast problems in women.
A mammogram is recommended by the doctors in case of any lump, nipple discharge, or pain. Also, if women have any other breast complaints, a mammogram is best for them. The diagnosis test helps detect benign tumors, cancer, and cysts. It’s an advanced technique that allows the early detection of diseases.
For over 30 years, a mammogram has proven to be one of the best techniques to assess breasts. In the past 15 years, technological advancements have improved the overall technique and results. Today, health practitioners benefit from dedicated equipment that involves low radiation doses and provides high-quality results.
Read on to learn more about the importance of mammograms and why women do it every year. Also, the benefits of digital mammography are discussed to convince you to opt for mammography regularly to avoid any long-term issues.
Why is a Mammogram Important?
Women in the United States have a one in eight chance of developing breast cancer. Early detection provides the best chance of catching cancer when the chances of a cure are greatest.
Mammograms provide doctors with a better understanding of what’s going on beneath the surface of your skin, deep within your breast tissue, to determine if further investigation or treatment is required if something suspicious is discovered.
According to medical science, the chances of breast cancer increase with age. Hence, it’s best to understand the importance of a mammogram. It’s an outpatient procedure that is carried out in a comfortable room. Also, it takes only 10 to 15 minutes. Sometimes, the diagnostic procedure might take longer, like 30 minutes.
Digital mammograms are used as diagnostic techniques that help in assessing and detecting the following:
Masses
Lumps
Calcium deposits
New dense areas
If both breasts aren’t uniform.
A mammogram may be a binding symptomatic instrument for detecting and diagnosing cancer. If the doctors find any abnormalities in the report, they’ll suggest a breast biopsy. It’s the second stage of confirming a disease. Then, the treatment is planned and initiated accordingly.
5 Reasons for Women Going for Mammograms Every Year
When detected early, breast cancer is 99 percent curable. Mammograms identify disease at an earlier phase, providing you with more treatment possibilities. Breast cancer caught timely, before it extends to the lymph nodes, has a five-year endurance rate of 80%.
Here are 5 reasons why women should go for mammograms every year:
1. It Saves Lives
Women who get screened reduce their risk of dying from breast cancer by 30%. You must know that breast cancer has become one of the most common cancers today. Every 1 in 8 women has a chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime.
Therefore, doctors recommend digital mammograms these days. It reduces the overall risk by facilitating early diagnosis.
2. Early Detection is the Key to Cure
Early diagnosis of a disease is always the best for patients and doctors in medicine. Thus, with time, more and more diagnostic techniques have gained attention. These are beneficial in assessing and detecting diseases.
Once the disease has been detected early, it becomes easier to look for the available options. The doctors can decide which treatment plan is best according to the patient’s condition.
3. Risks Increase with Age
For years, health practitioners have been suggesting women get mammograms. It is advised to get it every year after the age of 40. The risk for different health issues, including breast cancer, increases with the increasing age. Thus, it’s best to go for diagnostic imaging to detect serious and chronic health problems.
4. It’s a Simple Procedure
Overall, a digital mammogram is a painless diagnostic technique. Also, it’s safe and simple and doesn’t take more than an hour. If you visit the Perth Amboy Diagnostic Imaging, the radiologists available at the center are very helpful. They make the entire process comfortable for the patients.
However, if you are pregnant, it’s best to inform the radiologist beforehand. You must know that radiation exposure is not good for the fetus. It might lead to certain abnormalities and defects. Thus, it’s necessary to take special precautions throughout the mammogram procedure. So, choose a reputable diagnostic center like Perth Amboy Diagnostic Imaging.
Other than this, some other conditions might also interfere with the process of a mammogram:
Before your test, don’t apply any deodorant, powder, cream, or lotions under the arms.
If you have any breast implants, it might be not easy to visualize the breasts completely.
Also, if there are hormonal breast changes, these can create challenges.
Additionally, inform the radiologist and your health practitioner immediately if you had any previous breast surgery.
5. The Doctors Say So
According to WHO, women from 40 onwards must go for mammograms annually. Getting tested is one of the best ways to prevent it. Also, it doesn’t matter if the woman has hit menopause or not, and a mammogram is always recommended.
Final Thoughts
The bottom line is that breast cancer has become one of the most prevalent types of cancer worldwide. Hence, its early detection is critical to saving lives. So, the world health practitioners recommend a digital mammography every year for screening and analysis.
If your doctor has asked for mammography, you must select a reputable and authentic diagnostic center like Perth Amboy Diagnostic Imaging. You’ll find very supportive and experienced staff and radiologists here to help you go through the tests.